Personal injury FAQ Arizona
Personal Injury FAQ for Arizona: Your Questions Answered
This personal injury FAQ for Arizona answers the questions people ask us most, in plain language. Most injury claims must be filed within two years (A.R.S. 12-542(1)), and fault, insurance and fees all shape what comes next. If your question is not here, call us and we will answer it.
Reviewed by Charles Paglialunga, Esq.
- Filing deadline
- 2 years from the injury for most claims
- A.R.S. 12-542(1)
- Fault rule
- Pure comparative fault, no percentage bar
- A.R.S. 12-2505
- UM/UIM notice
- Written notice within 3 years
- A.R.S. 12-555
Personal Injury FAQ for Arizona Claims
These are the personal injury frequently asked questions we think matter most, grouped by topic so you can find yours quickly. They are general information, not legal advice for your situation, and every claim turns on its own facts. If you are weighing a decision, a free case review is the best way to get answers that fit what happened to you.
For longer explanations, our resources section goes deeper on deadlines, fault, insurance and medical bills.
Personal Injury Questions in Arizona, Answered
Short answers to the questions people ask first.
- How long do I have to file an injury claim?
Most Arizona personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury (A.R.S. 12-542(1)). Some claims have different or shorter deadlines, such as claims against a public entity, which require a notice of claim within 180 days (A.R.S. 12-821.01). These rules have exceptions, so call us and we will explain how they apply to you.
- What if I was partly at fault?
Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule (A.R.S. 12-2505). Your recovery can be reduced by your share of the blame, but you are not barred from recovering because of a percentage cutoff. Insurance companies and attorneys often negotiate the percentage of fault, so it is worth getting advice early.
- Is there a cap on what I can recover?
No caps apply to personal injury or death damages in Arizona (Ariz. Const. art. 2 sec. 31; art. 18 sec. 6). The amount of a claim depends on the facts.
- What if the other driver had no insurance, or not enough?
Your own policy may offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Insurers must offer it in writing, and you may reject it (A.R.S. 20-259.01). Written notice to your insurer is generally due within three years (A.R.S. 12-555), with special start dates, so check your policy and call us.
- Do I have to give the other insurance company a recorded statement?
Before agreeing to a recorded statement, talk with a lawyer about your legal rights. What you say can be used to reduce your claim, and adjusters are skilled at asking questions that sound simple.
- What are the minimum insurance limits in Arizona?
Drivers must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage (A.R.S. 28-4009). Many serious claims exceed those limits, which is why coverage is one of the first things we look at.
Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer
Whether you call us or someone else, these are the questions to ask a personal injury lawyer, and what to ask a car accident lawyer before you hire one.
- Who will actually work on my case, and how can I reach them with a question?
- How do you get paid, and how are case costs handled? Is it all in writing?
- Have you handled claims like mine, and what do you think the main challenges are?
- What deadlines apply to my claim, and what should I do before then?
- How will you keep me informed, and who makes the decisions about settlement?
How Long Does an Injury Claim Take?
There is no standard answer, and anyone who gives you a firm number before reviewing your claim is guessing. How long an injury claim takes depends on how long it takes to finish treatment and understand your injuries, how quickly the insurance company responds, whether fault is disputed and whether the claim settles or a lawsuit is filed.
A common mistake is settling before you know the full extent of your injuries, because a release will under most circumstances close your case permanently. We would rather take the time to understand your injuries than rush you into a number. See the personal injury claim process for the stages in order.
Car Accident Claim Questions Often Start the Same Way
Car accident claim questions usually begin with the same three: Who is at fault, who pays my medical bills, and what do I say to the insurance company? If you believe you were not at fault, make sure you explain this to the officer, and if it is safely possible, take photos before any vehicle is moved. Then call us and we will help you with the rest.
Arizona
Keep Reading
Go deeper on the topics that matter most.
Questions
More questions we hear from injured Arizonans
Do I need a lawyer for a minor injury?
Not always, but some injuries that seem minor at first turn out to be more serious. Many people have no or seemingly minor symptoms in the first days after a crash. A free case review can help you decide.
How much does it cost to talk with you?
Nothing. Your free case review is confidential and there is no obligation. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
What should I do right after an accident?
If safely possible, before any vehicle is moved, take photos and collect names and contact details. Report the crash, seek medical care if you are hurt, and do not discuss fault with the other side’s insurer. Read our full guide on what to do after a car accident.
Can I still make a claim if I was a passenger?
Often yes. A passenger is usually not blamed for the crash, and we can look at who may be responsible. Call us to talk through your situation.
Where can I ask my own question?
Call (602) 584-8054 or use our contact page. We enjoy answering questions and explaining how the process works.
Free case review
Have a Question We Did Not Answer?
Call (602) 584-8054 for a free case review. Our experienced and friendly attorney will explain your legal rights. The earlier you call, the better, but it’s never too late to find out your legal rights.
Call any time. Office visits Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.
Thank you, we’ve received your request.
A member of our team will reach out shortly. If your matter is urgent, call us now at (602) 584-8054.